Jess Melkun named VP at Florida Wildlife Federation

The Florida Wildlife Federation has named Jess Melkun as its new vice president of Conservation Policy.

Melkun joins the organization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where she led legislative strategy, managed a busy policy portfolio, and represented FWC before the Florida Legislature, Governor’s Office, and other state agencies.

Previously, she worked as an attorney for the state House’s Natural Resources & Environment Subcommittee and as an environmental consultant with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In her new role, Melkun will guide FWF’s statewide policy strategy, manage a team of conservation policy experts, and lead advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

“FWF has been part of every major conservation battle for nine decades and continues to fight for Florida’s unique landscapes and natural beauty,” said Melkun. “As pressure on our wildlife and wild spaces grow more complex and demand thoughtful, collaborative solutions, the time to step up is now.”

She joins FWF as the organization celebrates its 90th anniversary and continues to work on policy solutions for land conservation, wildlife protection, and healthy waterways across Florida.

“Jess brings exactly the kind of leadership this moment demands,” said FWF President and CEO Sarah Gledhill. “Her ability to translate science into effective policy, navigate complex legislative environments, and build consensus will strengthen our impact at every level. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the kind of durable conservation solutions Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild spaces deserve.”

Melkun sees habitat loss and fragmentation as Florida’s most pressing conservation challenge. As the population grows, forests, wetlands, and working lands are being turned into housing and infrastructure, which disrupts the ecosystems that native species rely on. Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are also harming freshwater habitats, and invasive species are making native food webs less stable.

She believes the way forward is to take a more proactive approach to conservation policy.

“Florida must start planning growth around conservation, not the other way around,” Melkun said. “As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, we’re seeing rapid development drive habitat loss and fragmentation. If we want to protect the ecologically critical habitats that safeguard our wildlife and water while driving our economy, conservation must be the first priority — not an afterthought.”

Melkun graduated twice from FSU, earning a law degree with a certificate in environmental, energy, and land-use law, and an undergraduate degree in biological sciences with a certificate in marine biology.